If your favorite pair of silver hoop earrings or a simple cross pendant have a dark layer coating them, it's time for a cleaning. The good news is that tarnish isn't permanent and can be easily removed using household items you probably already have on hand. (Just be careful with techniques that involve acids and skip chemical dips—they can damage delicate metals.)

For small, delicate pieces like studs and bangles, a simple cocktail of water and soap usually does the trick. But for larger or thicker jewelry, or even for older, more delicate items such as heirlooms, you can use ingredients like lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar and toothpaste to get the job done.

Start by washing your jewelry in warm, soapy water and rinsing to remove any body soil. Next, make a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water and applying to your jewelry with a clean lint free cloth. Rub and rinse, then buff dry with a microfiber cloth.

If you don't have baking soda on hand, McConnaughy says the same effect can be achieved by soaking sterling silver in a bowl of distilled white vinegar with a tablespoon of salt and two teaspoons of baking soda dissolved in it. Leave it to soak for up to three hours, rinse and then polish. Another option is Hagerty Silver Foam, which comes with a sponge you wet and apply to your silver plated items; this product works well on textured surfaces.   silver jewlery cleaner